Once you've got your documents Apostilled, they will need to be translated into Spanish (unless the document and the Apostille are already in Spanish). This needs to be done AFTER the documents are Apostilled, because the Apostille itself needs to be translated, as well as the original document.
The translation needs to be done, and certified by, a translator which is on the list of approved translators for the Paraguayan government here in Asuncion. The only exception to this is if it has been done outside of Paraguay, by a translator approved by a Paraguayan Embassy or Consulate, and then stamped by a Paraguayan Embassy or Consulate.
Generally speaking, it's easier, cheaper, and quicker, to get the documents translated here in Asuncion.
What needs to be translated?
Any document that you are submitting as part of your residency application needs to be Apostilled, and then translated into Spanish. This means your Birth Certificate and your Police Record; if you are married, your Marriage Certificate; and if your Police Record is from a country you are not a national of, a form of Photo ID from that country.
How much does it cost?
If your documents are in English, and your Apostille is in English (either only English, or dual/multiple languages where one of the languages is English), we will get your documents translated by an approved translator at no additional cost - it's included in the $1,450 you pay for the complete residency process.
If your documents are in another language which is relatively widely spoken worldwide - i.e. French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean etc - it is relatively inexpensive to get them translated in Asuncion - generally somewhere between $10 - $20 (USD) per page (if you know how to find the lowest cost ones, which we do).
If your documents are in a language which is not widely spoken worldwide, particularly one which uses a rare alphabet - i.e. Finnish, Thai, Vietnamese, Farsi, etc - it might be difficult and/or more expensive to get them translated here.
Generally speaking, there are several different approved translators to choose from for most major languages, all do exactly the same job, so we generally recommend using whichever one is the lowest cost - unless speed is more important for you than money, in which case we can find whichever one is available to do it the quickest (i.e. immediately) at the time you need to get it done.
How long does it take?
Generally speaking, a few days at most - usually 2-to-3 days. It can sometimes take longer if the translator(s) are particularly busy (i.e. up to one week), and it is possible to get them done quicker, if needed (which often involves paying a higher fee, but not excessively high - no more than double the cheapest option).
What if my documents are already in Spanish?
You don't need to translate your documents if they, and the Apostilles for them, are already in Spanish.
Can I get my documents translated in advance, before I arrive in Asuncion?
Yes, as long as you pay for it in advance. Please note that we do not offer translation services as a standalone service - we only do the translation for our clients hiring us for obtaining residency in Paraguay.
How do I check if you can translate the language my documents are in?
Just contact us via this online contact form, let us know your current status, and ask any questions you have in the box for additional comments or messages.